Archive for the 'Joe Tex' Tag Under 'Soundcheck' Category

August 8th, 2011, 1:00 pm by GEORGE A. PAUL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

In a Back to the Future soundtrack song Huey Lewis once sang about going “back in time" – and on Sunday night at Pacific Amphitheatre, he did exactly that. Lewis and his longtime band the News took the audience on a journey through some of their ‘80s hits but spent more time covering tunes from the previous three decades.

The impetus for the musical travelogue was last year's album Soulsville, the Bay Area band's first in nine years. Mining the catalog of Stax Records – the influential Southern soul record label launched in Tennessee – they went down to Memphis' Argent Studios where most of those tracks were initially laid down, used vintage recording equipment and basically recorded live. The faithful renditions fit them like a glove.

A heartbeat sound and Lewis' short, bluesy harmonica blasts triggered the usual show-opener “The Heart of Rock & Roll.” The 95-minute set was a sleek rock ‘n' soul revue that often recalled listening to K-EARTH in days of yore. But I didn't see anyone overtly restless amid the long wait for more radio faves. At least concert-goers were forewarned: Unlike other acts on Pacific's Summer Concert Series schedule, Huey Lewis and the News' display ads clearly state “featuring songs from Soulsville.”

All those selections received polite to enthusiastic applause, though the album's laid-back, Isaac Hayes-penned title cut – its lyrics of gritty realism accompanied by quiet Lewis vocals and unobtrusive music – did prompt loud chatter in the orchestra section.

Solomon Burke's “Got to Get You Off My Mind” (a No. 1 R&B hit in 1965) glided along smoothly, thanks to founding News keyboardist Sean Hopper's tinkling ivories, some sweet female backing vocals from Daunielle Hill and Sandy Griffith and brightly-hued horns. The simmering groove of the Staple Singers' “Respect Yourself” (a man behind me was heard saying “Bruce Willis did this one”) gave those soulful female singers a chance to shine. Lewis mixed it up well with them.

September 28th, 2010, 8:09 pm by BEN WENER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Seeing as nominations were revealed by Rolling Stone earlier this morning, undoubtedly anyone who cares about the next batch of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees has already heard who is up for the honor. But I'd be remiss if I didn't at least acknowledge the news, while pointing out -- yet again -- how certain omissions from the list are glaringly stupid.

Not that those who have qualified aren't worthy of consideration, no matter what you or I may think of their music. Though they both could have been included as long as 15 years ago, beloved entertainer Neil Diamond and original shock-rocker Alice Cooper (pictured) have finally made it onto a ballot, while another first-time nominee, folk great Donovan, has been eligible for almost as long as this Hall has existed. Also getting a nod for the first time: Bon Jovi (in its second year of eligibility) and Tom Waits (a significant, eccentric influence overdue for such recognition by a dozen years).

Ballots will be sent to more than 500 voters, who will select the five finalists for the 26th induction ceremony on March 14 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, which will be televised live on Fuse TV.

Having been outspoken about being routinely overlooked since as far back as 2002, Cooper, who performs Thursday at Gibson Amphitheatre with Rob Zombie, seemed genuinely touched by the recognition in a statement today, graciously including the original Alice Cooper band in his thoughts: "On behalf of Dennis (Dunaway), Neal (Smith), Michael (Bruce) and the late, great Glen Buxton, we are honored to be nominated for induction in to the Hall. Anytime you are nominated in your chosen profession, it's definitely a compliment to be recognized.